<p>Hey all, I've got a quick question about majoring in mathematics. I was wondering that since math majors really don't get hammered until the end of the junior year and throughout their senior year with classes like Real Analysis and Modern Algebra, what is the most prevalent major for a math major to switch to if the material gets to hard? Don't get me wrong, I am confident in my abilities and plan to get my degree in math, but it can never hurt to have a backup plan. Any insight?</p>
<p>Personally, from what I've seen, computer science seems to be the dumping ground for math and science majors who couldn't hack it.</p>
<p>CS might be a feasible alternative, but take care to choose your math electives accordingly if you choose that exit strategy. Since many CS programs fall under the blanket of engineering, you might be required to take a lot of specific classes for a CS degree, which could postpone graduation. A safer idea might be physics: most physics curricula still have plenty of electives, and the overlap will be greater (diff. eq. and lots of calc).</p>
<p>That being said, if you can't program well, going into CS as a junior is suicide. If CS is your last resort, be preparing for it now. It's no easier than a math degree, and arguably a lot more work. Good luck...</p>
<p>While I hate to generalize, unless you intend to teach or have the talent and personality to be a research mathematician (typically at a University)*, you'll be applying your mathematical training to solving problems arising in some other discipline. I encourage you to identify an application area that interests you, would provide some direction as to what math courses to take, and, perhaps, provide you with an alternative if you decide not to major in math. You could start out as a math major and minor in the application area, but switch to a math minor if things don't work out the way you intended.</p>
<p>There aren't many areas that don't employ mathematical techniques in some quantitative subarea. Engineering and the physical sciences are obvious choices, and there are many opportunities in the social sciences (esp. economics) and biological sciences. "Even" business and management sciences have critical mathematical problems to solve (e.g., operations research).</p>
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<li>Note that the research directions of many research mathematicians are driven by applications as well. (I'd claim that this is true for most mathematicians, but I hang out with an applied crowd. I don't interact with "pure" mathematicians very often.)</li>
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<p>Hey thanks guys, your insight has been helpful. As of now I think I am going to gear my studies toward a minor in economics along with my math major. Once again, thanks a lot.</p>